Md. last in job creation: Does this surprise anyone?

I'm writing in response to the article "Maryland ranks last in job creation" (June 18).

This ranking should be of no surprise to anyone. Maryland has allowed itself to become almost entirely dependent on government employment. This has gone on for several administrations and multiple decades. Little effort has been given to private sector employment opportunities because the public sector employer has been the primary source of employment and of political focus.

Imagine for a brief moment what employment would be like if Washington wasn't within a commutable distance. Given that scenario, I believe employment within the state would be horrendous — even with state and local governments at full employment levels — which they never are.

Until private sector employment in Maryland is emphasized over public sector employment, private job creation will remain woefully low. Until our political leaders accept and work on the challenge of bringing businesses (thus employment opportunities) back to Maryland instead of the easier dependence on federal employment, Marylanders will have little choice other than seek government employment — if available — or continue the current trend to look outside of Maryland for employment and residence.